Need some input from anyone who went last year, is Carowinds’ Winterfest event worth a ~3 hour drive to get there? My family is moving to the Raleigh-Durham area fairly soon, and while I’m visiting them over Christmas I’m considering swinging by the park if there’s enough rides open and enough fun things to do.

I feel like Winterfest will be worth the drive. Last year was the first year they did it and I was really impressed at how much they put into it. I feel like this year will only be better. Here is a link to a video I made from Winterfest last year.

Last year was not Carowinds first winterfest. They also had it in 2005 and they had something of it long ago before that. I feel Winterfest is definetly worth it. They are expanding it more this year. So that is very exciting

Copperhead Strike, the Carolinas’ first double launch coaster, joins new themed area and hotel to bolster park’s regional destination appeal

CAROWINDS, Charlotte, N.C. – Carowinds will mark a turning point in its evolution as a destination amusement park when it introduces Copperhead Strike, the Carolinas’ first double launch coaster, for the 2019 season. Copperhead Strike simulates the harrowing chase of getaway cars racing through rolling farmland, sending riders on two launches through a relentless winding ride over half a mile of steel.

In this innovative ride, the coaster dynamics are carefully crafted to offer a thrilling and intense low-to-the-ground experience. With three 16-passenger trains fashioned after 1930s coupes, Copperhead Strike sends riders cruising into a Jojo roll right out of the station. They then go into a lightning fast launch to a 360° loop, the second of five inversions, moving into a series of near-miss twists, turns and flips. Without slowing down, the ride launches a second time to accelerate into a memorable hang time loop, leaving passengers breathless and wondering which way is up.

The new coaster is the central element of Blue Ridge Junction, a new immersive, richly themed area inspired by the majestic beauty and easy-going culture of the Blue Ridge Mountain region of the Carolinas. Conceived for the purpose of engaging all five senses, the redesigned seven-acre area will feature the new Blue Ridge Country Kitchen restaurant in the former Wings restaurant location.

More transformational features will open at Carowinds in 2019: The new SpringHill Suites by Marriott at Carowinds, a 130-room hotel currently under construction, is expected to welcome its first guests late in the year. Also added for the first time is a new dormitory to house students from across the region and around the world, allowing the park to develop programs such as a full internship for travel and tourism students. These features, along with the new roller coaster and themed area, encompass the largest investment in the park since its opening in 1973.

“This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to being the premier entertainment destination of the Carolinas for families and thrill seekers alike,” said Pat Jones, Carowinds’ vice president and general manager. “Copperhead Strike adds a completely different experience than our other world-class coasters, giving our guests a diverse park-wide experience that satisfies like never before. Blue Ridge Junction, the restaurant and our new hotel are additions we know our guests will enjoy, ensuring Carowinds continues to be the place where the Carolinas come together to create lasting memories for generations to come.”

Season pass holders will be among the first to experience Copperhead Strike in spring 2019. Fans can purchase 2019 season passes now at Carowinds.com at the lowest price of the season, and receive unlimited visits for the rest of 2018 and all of 2019. Those who can’t wait to experience the thrills of Copperhead Strike can take a virtual ride at http://www.Carowinds.com/CopperheadStrike where they can also view renderings, ride stats and more.

Copperhead Strike is designed and manufactured by Mack Rides of Waldkirch, Germany, a recognized leader in roller coaster development.

Below are images from the rendering of the final ride, track that is currently being manufactured, and the latest construction from the ride site.

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